Want to Save the Environment? Study Politics, Philosophy and Economics

How to fight climate change (without having to travel exclusively by sailboat).

This post is presented in partnership with Monash University.

As if being a teenager wasn’t hard enough, now we have to save the world too.

That’s how it feels, anyway. Despite the huge global attention on climate change, many of us aren’t satisfied by the actions (or lack thereof) from politicians and other decision makers in Australia and across the world.

A recent survey by Student Edge and ReachOut found that up to 80 per cent of students are somewhat or very anxious about climate change.

That’s why many are chipping in to protest, inspired by Swedish 16-year-old Greta Thunberg. A new generation of eco-warriors are now demanding action to rescue our planet from the devastation of the climate emergency we’re in. What else can we do?

Sure, there are lots of small things that make a big difference at home, like reducing waste, banning single use plastic and personally buying more secondhand clothing. Ultimately though, decisions on climate change are left to our leaders. Real change will require political urgency and a new generation of politicians ready to take charge and change things for a more sustainable future.

So what if there was another way to help the environment? One where we can make a bigger impact.

The good news is that there is a study path that can set you up to save the world.

Studying a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (such as at Monash University) can equip you with the skills to make real change.

Typically anyone passionate about the environment might have chosen to study environmental sciences to learn about the impact we humans have on the planet.

However, it's not enough to know why the world is burning. You need to know how to create structural change to put out the fires. A Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics teaches students how to turn their knowledge in three key disciplines into game-changing results.

So here’s a rundown of what the course is about.

Politics

First of all, just because you study politics doesn’t mean you have to be a politician. Knowing how political decisions get made is essential to anyone who wants to create real change, whether in Canberra or Washington. Even Greta gets this, which is why she often takes the fight directly to those power centres.

Activists, lawyers and research groups all benefit from a greater understanding of our at-times daunting political system. If you want to help the cause, recycling is great, but badass political degrees are better. Much better.

Philosophy

Studying philosophy makes us question the fundamental ideas about our world though ethics, logic and reasoning. Being able to come up with a sound argument to justify our ideas is essential if we want people to listen to us and embrace the changes that need to be made.

An appreciation of philosophy prepares students to tackle the big questions like: Who should take responsibility for the damage to the environment? Should developed nations pay for what has been done in the past? Or is our obligation based on how much nations contribute to the problem? Heady stuff, but someone's gotta solve 'em!

Economics

Finally, knowing how we produce and distribute valuable commodities on a global scale gives us a much better insight into how this affects our environment and in turn how we can help it.

Think about the effect that climate change has on industries most at risk, like agriculture, and the consequences of this globally. A shortage of food increases prices, but we would also see reduced exports, job losses across the industry, food insecurity and ultimately a loss of economic and financial stability.

I know, these concepts are daunting but it’s exactly these things we need to wrap our heads around if we want to tackle them.

Also on offer with the Monash Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics are field trips, study abroad options and internships, which are great opportunities to not only see the world but meet likeminded people and gain real life experience. Students can also work alongside industry leaders and researchers.

Combining these three disciplines of politics, philosophy and economics sets students up with the right skills to make a real difference in a world that's in desperate need for some TLC.

If you are truly passionate about the world around you and the people who live on it, consider getting a degree where you will graduate with the knowledge and practical skills to make the decisions that matter.

Find out more about a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Monash University. There’s never been a greater need to make change. Whether you want to change your life, your career, your community, or the future, it starts at Monash. Read more from Monash Arts.

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